The webinar opened with Elina Yli-Luukko, Executive Director of the Arctic Construction Cluster (Pohjois-Suomen rakennusklusteri), who introduced the SCABEAC project—Sustainable Construction and Built Environment in Arctic Climate. The project brings together partners across the Nordic region to address common construction challenges in Arctic conditions.

Representing UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Laboratory Manager Boy-Arne Buyle emphasized the need for regional collaboration:

“We face the same challenges: the population is low, the climate is harsch and this is the same whether you live in Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland, which is why we should be able to make an annex for all Nordic countries – not one for each country.”

Eurocode expert Auli Lastunen from the Finnish Association of Construction Product Industries provided insight into how European building codes function. While she was cautious about the feasibility of a joint Arctic Annex, she highlighted two important opportunities:

1. Harmonization of basic variables near border zones

2. Considering entirely new phenomena

Irina Martynyuk from RISE further explained how EU directives, regulations, and standards influence building practices and could support a shared regulatory approach across the Nordic countries.

The session also featured Annika Daisley and Kjell Nilsson from the Svinesund Committee, who discussed cross-border opportunities through common Nordic rules, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in regulation.

From a consulting perspective, Heikki Lilja (Heikki Lilja Consulting Ltd.) underlined that:

"It is all about co operation in standardization for cold region requirement, in bridge management, research and education and as support for local decision makers."

Roger Johansson from Vertex Group Oy brought attention to the practical impact of fragmented standards. For house producers, he explained, standardization would significantly reduce the time and effort needed to comply with varying national regulations.

Lastly, Markku Hienonen from the Finnish Society of Building Inspectors addressed regulatory changes in Finland:

"The operating environment is changing due to climate change and adaptation is a must. A new building act came into force 1st of January 2025 with new responsibilities to builders, and a building control reform in Finland is also on the rise."

This webinar was part of the SCABEAC project, supported by Interreg Europe and the European Commission / European Union.